We’ve spoken above and beyond about the importance of protecting your skin before sun exposure.
And while it's critical to prepare your skin for sun exposure, many tend to overlook the vital aspect of aftercare. After spending time in the sun, you might be tempted to lounge around without giving your skin the attention it deserves. However, aging skin takes longer to recover after sun.
If you want your skin to bounce back quickly and maintain its health, it's time to reconsider your after-sun skincare routine.
The truth is, most people are unaware of the significance of post-sun skin care. Taking care of your skin after sun exposure is just as important as the preventive measures in your summer skincare routine. Neglecting this crucial step can lead to dryness, irritation, and long-term damage to the very health of your skin.
In this blog, we're here to guide you through an expert-approved post-sun regimen. By following these recommended steps, you can help your skin recover and replenish the moisture it may have lost under the scorching sun. From soothing remedies to replenishing hydration, we've got you covered.
How Does the Sun Damage Skin?
It’s true that Vitamin D is incredibly beneficial for your skin and health, but what happens when you’re in the sun for too long?
The UV rays from the sun can cause significant skin damage. Cells in the skin's outer layer have melanin that shields the skin from UV radiation from the sun. These may burn the skin and cause it to lose suppleness, resulting in accelerated aging.
It also dries out uncovered skin and depletes the skin's natural lubricating oil supply. Furthermore, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause blistering and long-term alterations in the structure of the skin.
Some other long term effects of excessive sun exposure are -
- Sunspots and hyperpigmentation: Excessive sun exposure can cause the development of dark spots and patches on the skin, known as sunspots or hyperpigmentation.
- Uneven skin tone: Sun damage can result in an uneven distribution of melanin, leading to an irregular and blotchy skin tone.
- Reduced elasticity: Over time, sun damage can impair the production of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in a loss of skin elasticity and firmness.
- Weakened skin barrier: UV rays can damage the protective barrier of the skin, making it more susceptible to environmental aggressors and moisture loss.
Read our blog on sun protection101 to learn more on how you can protect your skin before sun exposure.
3-STEP AFTER-SUN CARE ROUTINE
#1 Never Skip the Pre-Sun Protection
Let's emphasize the importance of two fundamental rules for maintaining sun safety: Firstly, it's crucial to shield your skin, both on your face and body, by applying a generous amount of sun protection. Try using mineral formulas as they are not only beneficial for your skin but also for the environment.
However, it's essential to recognize that effective sun care extends beyond the application of sunscreen alone. It also involves making wise choices during your time in the sun.
This means avoiding excessive sunbathing and taking extra precautions by covering your skin with a hat or seeking shade. By following these proactive measures, you can make your post-sun routine much simpler and more effective.
#2 Shower Immediately After sun
After spending extended periods in the sun, your immediate priority should be to cleanse your skin and remove any dirt or residual sunscreen. The ideal first step is to indulge in a refreshing cool bath or shower.
This not only helps cleanse the skin but also reduces the chances of aggravated inflammation and provides relief from any discomfort caused by the sun's UV rays. To prevent further dehydration, it is advisable to keep your bath or shower relatively brief.
By opting for a shorter cold shower, you also ensure the preservation of your skin's skin barrier, which plays a vital role in the healing process after sun exposure.
When selecting products for your shower routine, prioritize soothing and hydrating organic options that don't strip your natural oils, and steer clear of harsh scrubs or exfoliating body washes. The same principle applies to cleansers—replace any exfoliating formulas with gentle and soothing alternatives.
#3 Replenish your Skin after sun
Rehydrating your skin with a high-quality moisturizer or natural oil is perhaps the most critical step in your post-sun regimen.
Gentle yet effective nourishment is important for your skin to be able to bounce back after extended sun exposure. We recommend all natural and organic products with essential oils because of their potency in protecting and replenishing your skin.
Empress Naturals’ Serum Set is just that with the added benefits of antioxidants and fatty acids. Not only does it heal damaged skin but also helps reduce those pesky signs of aging that might get emphasized after too much time in the sun. Its gentle formula also helps reduce inflammation, redness and combat skin flare ups.
When it comes to emollients a plant-based oil like squalene to help maintain the skin's moisture barrier and provide long-lasting hydration. Squalane is also an occlusive, which means it keeps moisture in.
Squalane also includes antioxidants, which help to combat free radicals, control oxidative stress, and protect the skin from external stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. You can find Squalane in the Luxe Night Elixir.
Finally, you need to restore your body’s radiance after a long time in the sun. Just as your face is susceptible to sun exposure, so is your body, and nobody wants to endure a sunburn during the summer. We're all familiar with how spending time in the pool or at the beach can leave our hair and skin feeling parched and drained.
This is precisely where our Luxury Massage Oils step in to save the day! Infused with top-quality essential oils, these oils not only moisturize and replenish your skin but also enhance blood circulation, resulting in a luminous and radiant complexion.
Immerse yourself in the nourishing qualities of these oils to rejuvenate and invigorate your skin after those enjoyable water activities.
#4 Dealing with Sunburn
If it’s too late to prevent the sunburn then aloe vera is renowned for its cooling and moisturizing properties, making it an excellent remedy. It helps to reduce inflammation, soothe the skin, and accelerate the healing process.
To alleviate discomfort and promote healing after a sunburn, try this DIY recipe featuring the natural healing powers of aloe vera.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the aloe vera gel, lavender essential oil and coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture gently to the affected areas of your skin.
DISCOVER EMPRESS NATURALS’ SUMMER CARE ROUTINE
Empress Naturals is dedicated to providing year-round protection and rejuvenation for your skin including an after sun exposure.
Our skincare line is thoughtfully crafted to address the specific needs of mature skin, ensuring that you feel confident and amazing in your own skin. We are committed to offering you skincare products that are 100% pure and organic, harnessing the incredible power of nature.
Our focus lies in sourcing ingredients directly from nature, guaranteeing ageless radiance and luminous skin. We understand the importance of avoiding toxic ingredients that are still commonly found in many skincare products.
That's why we ensure that our products are free from thousands of harmful substances. You can trust that our formulations, including our revered Rosehip Seed Oil, are safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, although we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
Rest assured, our products are non-toxic, clean, and hold both USDA Certified Organic and Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free certifications. We take pride in cultivating our ingredients from sustainable farms around the world, without the use of hazardous preservatives.
Experience the transformative power of clean skincare with Empress Naturals and indulge in the beauty of naturally radiant skin.
